” I Love You No Matter What” by J. Rutland

Book Review with Giveaway!

The parable of the Prodigal Son was always one of my favorites. I remember when my mom used to read me Max Lucado’s version from “Tell Me the Story”. She never failed to tear up. Now when I read it, just remembering that causes me to cry as well.

Unconditional love, redemption, and forgiveness are all what we need and long for. For someone to “love us no matter what”. The story has been told and retold countless times, but I think you’ll find that J. Rutland offers a fresh take in his tale of Prince Chirpio.

“I Love You No Matter What” is a heartwarming tale for children ages 4-7, written to remind them of a parent’s unconditional love. The sweet illustrations will grab your child’s attention while you share the story’s deeper meaning.

Little Blue has been naughty and, sure Daddy Blue won’t love him anymore because of this, decides to leave home. Rather than telling Little Blue how much he loves him, Daddy Blue decides to explain it through a story (just like Jesus did through His parables in the Bible).

Daddy Blue tells of Prince Chirpio, a little yellow bird who decides to take the birdseed his father, King Puffbelly, has saved for him, leave the castle, and make a life of his own. The term “fairweather friends” comes to mind as the prince makes acquaintances with a turtle, a caterpillar, and a grasshopper who will only help and play with him as long as he has enough birdseed to share. Once the birdseed is all used up, those “friends” are gone faster than you can say “Chirpio”.

Empty-handed and alone, the only place left for Prince Chirpio is the pig pen. He decides that even working for his father would be better than this so, humbled, he returns to the castle. Of course, King Puffbelly welcomes his son with open arms.

“No matter what you do, no matter where you go, I love you no matter what!” the King tells him.

My sweet Noelle loved this book and even asked me after I read it if “I loved her no matter what”. I am sure you know what my answer was. I think that this is a great lesson and resource to share, especially when you kids haven’t behaved the way they ought to. I’ve had my fair share of times my four-year-old has said “You don’t love me”. What a heartbreaking thing for a mother to hear her child say. The next time she says something like that I will follow the example of my Savior, pull out this charming parable, and remind my daughter that “I love her…no matter what”.

Time for another Tommy Nelson giveaway! Just tell me, “When have your children doubted themselves and what do you say to remind them how much they’re loved?” Leave your comment below. You must leave a comment to qualify for the giveaway.

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Yours in Christ,

S

I received a copy of this book via the Tommy Nelson Mommy program. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions expressed are purely and completely my own.

My oldest son went through a short phase were he was trying to get his sister in trouble quit a bit. After talking with him, he told his dad I that he was doing that because he was jealous of her and thought we might like him better if she got into trouble. We reassured him that we love all of our children and that our love wasn’t dependent on whether they had good behavior or not. We told him if he ever felt that way again that he should talk to us and that we would take some extra time with him.

We’ve had some similar issues with our oldest since our youngest was born. What you’re doing is great, Joanna. I try to take my oldest on special dates and remind her that there are things I can only do with her right now and not her baby sister, like going to the movies or out for ice cream.

My son is very hard on himself. I am homeschooling a perfectionist! I am constantly reminding him that he doesn’t have to be perfect and that we will love him no matter how many spelling words he misses. ;0) God doesn’t expect perfection. He just wants us to try our best and do all work as if we were working for Him. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking him what Colossians 3:23 says. He smiles.

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About Me

Once upon a time, SARA ELLA dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. As a former Disney Parks cast member, she’s had her fair share of enchanted moments. Now she spends her days home schooling two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. Oh, and she married her prince, glass slipper included. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings. Read More…